The Charlatans‘ drummer Jon Brookes has played with the band for the first time since being diagnosed with and treated for a brain tumour in September.

The drummer collapsed while onstage with the band in Philadelphia, and has been receiving treatment in the UK since then. On Saturday (October 23), he played during the encore of The Charlatans‘ set at the O2 Academy Birmingham.

Writing on Thecharlatans.net after the gig, Brookes admitted that he was feeling nervous ahead of the show.

“A huge feeling of goodwill came head-on towards me as over 2,000 Charlatans fans let me know that I was welcome back onstage,” he wrote.

He added: “I took the deepest breath and tried to let it flow. I hope it sounded OK, but to be honest I have no real measure, it was like I would imagine doing the 100 metres in the Olympic games would feel like! But please let me say thanks again to the Academy crowd for a top night!”

Brookes said that although he “won’t be doing much travelling this side of Christmas” he is “feeling strong and positive”.

The Verve‘s Pete Salisbury has been filling in for Brookes at The Charlatans‘ gigs while he is out of action.

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